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Letter from Secretary Babbitt

United States Department of the Interior
Secretary
Washington, D.C.

I am pleased to present this final report of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI)
Community Demonstration Projects. Through these Demonstration Projects, Federal agencies
have joined with local communities at six pilot sites across the nation to demonstrate that
geographic information systems and other technology can be shared and used effectively to fight
crime, encourage smart growth and help make communities become disaster-resilient. These
projects demonstrate that the NSDI enables partnerships with Federal, state, and local
governments, non-profit organizations, the business sector, and academia to share geospatial
data to address the needs and interests of multiple parties.

As the Chair of the United States Federal Geographic Data Committee, I have seen substantial
progress in the United States in developing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) as a
truly national approach to making current and accurate geospatial data available to contribute to
economic growth, environmental protection and social progress. We have seen the power of
bringing all levels of governments together to work as partners with the private and academic
sectors for a common purpose. We have also seen the power of forging common objectives
while at the same time recognizing and preserving the ability of communities to solve their own
problems.

Our commitment to partnerships grows through and by the support of the Vice President's
National Partnership for Reinventing Government guaranteeing effective, efficient, and
responsive government. The National Partnership for Reinventing Government not only renews
America's commitment in fast and efficient government services but also improves Government
services using new technologies and processes in concert with local communities, states, and
non-profit groups.

I am please to share with you the success stories and findings of the six pilot studies supported
by the NSDI Community Demonstration Projects.